Factors Involved in the Use of Language Learning Strategies and Oral Proficiency among Taiwanese Students in Taiwan and in the Philippines

Abstract:

The study investigated several factors (level of exposure to English language, metacognitive awareness, and country) that affect the use of language learning strategies among Taiwanese students who live in Taiwan and in the Philippines and who speak English. The language learning strategies were also studied as predictors of oral proficiency (measured using the Test for Spoken English). The participants were 80 Taiwanese students studying in the Philippines and 66 Taiwanese studying in Taiwan. It was found in the study that English exposure and country of residence were significant predictors of language learning strategy. Students living and studying in the Philippines with high English exposure had higher oral proficiency than the Taiwanese in Taiwan sample. All language learning strategies when taken together significantly predicted oral proficiency (R=.58, p<.05). Only memory (B=-2.03), compensation (B=1.31), metacognition (B=1.54), and affect (B=-2.73) of the six strategies, significantly predicted oral proficiency.